DIY - Toilet Replacement

If you have some time this weekend, you can saveplastic tub.
yourself some cash with this toilet replacementTo remove the wax ring, put on latex gloves and
project and DIY with a little bit of patience and knowhave trash bags and paper towels at the ready. Use
how.the plastic scraper to remove the wax from around
If a toilet has become damaged or is overlythe ring, wiping it onto the paper towels and throw
inefficient, then it is time for a new model that isthe wax away. Next, use the scraper to pry up the
water responsible. Toilet replacement can be brokenrubber lip of the wax ring and throw it away.
down into three main tasks: Removal of the oldRemove the bolts from the sewer flange and throw
toilet, the removal and replacement of the wax ringthose away as well. Clean up any remaining wax with
and the installation of the new toilet.the scraper and paper towels. This should render the
There are several types and models available foropening free from just about all wax and any debris.
your new toilet, so be sure to properly research theIf there is going to be a delay in toilet replacement
best kind for your needs. There are models that arefrom old to new - you can create a plug for the
all one piece, but most likely you will need tosewer line hole by partly filling a plastic trash bag with
purchase the base and tank separately. If the tanksome paper towels, wadding it up into a kind of
does not come with all of its working parts, then youstopper and then plugging the hole. This will keep
will also need to purchase the flush valve and fill valvemost of the gases from the sewer line from entering
kits. You will also need to buy the wax ring kit to sealthe house. Remove the plastic bag stopper before
the base to the sewer line. This kit should include theinstalling the new toilet. Be sure to inspect the sewer
mounting bolts but you will also need to buy theflange for any damage before toilet replacement
finishing caps that go over the anchor bolts. You willcontinues. If there is any damage, it will need to be
also want to purchase a cement mixing tub to aide inrepaired first.
the removal of the old toilet. If the water supplyFollow the directions on how to install the wax ring.
valve on the old toilet is damaged or has rust, youCenter and adjust the ring as needed into the sewer
should consider replacing it along with the toilet tankflange. Now install the mounting bolts into the guides
hose.along the edge of the flange and make sure they are
Toilet replacement tools needed are: an adjustableperpendicular. Place the unit over the wax ring and
open end wrench or socket wrench, large flat headpass the bolts through the mounting holes on each
screwdriver, mini hack saw, disposable plastic scraper,side of the base. You should feel the wax ring
plastic trash bags, paper towels, latex gloves and acompress around the toilets drain pipe as you push
utility knife or box cutter.down to seal it.
Remove toilet by turning off the water supply valveTake the plastic finishing washers and install them as
and remove lid to the toilet tank. Flush the toilet todirected onto the anchor bolts, properly tightening
alleviate any water pressure and disconnect thethe bolt to secure the base to the floor, making sure
water supply valve hose from the fill valve shank.the toilet does not move at all. You can then trim the
Remove the plastic mounting bolt caps from thebolt to a ¼ inch above the nut with the mini hack
base and unscrew the lock nuts holding it to thesaw, covering them with the finishing caps.
floor. You may need to use the mini hack saw toNow you can install the tank according to the
remove the bolt if the threads are stripped or if thedirections and hook up the water tank hose and
bolt is corroded. Score any caulking around the basewater supply valve again. When this is done, you can
of the unit with the utility knife, then position theturn on the water supply valve and allow the tank to
cement mixing tub close to the base of the toilet andfill with water. Watch for leaks and adjust the water
once the bolts are removed, lift with your legs tolevel. Install the seat and your toilet replacement is
remove the toilet unit from the floor and place in thecomplete!